Light-sensitive material containing silver halide, reducing agent, polymerizable compound, and a quaternary ammonium development accelerator

ABSTRACT

A light-sensitive material comprising a light-sensitive layer containing silver halide, a reducing agent and a polymerizable compound provided on a support, characterized in that the light-sensitive layer contains a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion with such an anion as a halogen ion, acetate ion, perchlorate ion, a sulfonate ion, oxalate ion, carbonate ion, sulfite ion and phosphoric hydrogen ion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

This invention relates to a light-sensitive material comprising a light-sensitive layer containing silver halide, a reducing agent and a polymerizable compound provided on a support.

2. Description of prior art

Light-sensitive materials comprising a light-sensitive layer containing silver halide, a reducing agent and a polymerizable compound provided on a support can be used in an image forming method in which a latent image of silver halide is formed, and then the polymerizable compound is polymerized to form the corresponding image.

Examples of said image forming methods are described in Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 45(1970)-11149 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 3,697,275), 47(1972)-20741 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,667) and 49(1974)-10697, and Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 57(1982)-138632, 57(1982)-142638, 57(1982)-176033, 57(1982)-211146 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,997), 58(1983)-107529 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,637), 58(1983)-121031 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,450) and 58(1983)-169143. In these image forming methods, when the exposed silver halide is developed using a developing solution, the polymerizable compound is induced to polymerize in the presence of a reducing agent (which is oxidized) to form a polymer image. Thus, these methods need a wet development process employing a developing solution. Therefore the process takes a relatively long time for the operation.

An improved image forming method employing a dry process is described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 61(1986)-69062 and 61(1986)-73145 (the contents of both publications are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,676 and European Patent Provisional Publication No. 0174634A2). In this image forming method, a recording material (i.e., light-sensitive material) comprising a light-sensitive layer containing a light-sensitive silver salt (i.e., silver halide), a reducing agent, a cross-linkable compound (i.e., polymerizable compound) and a binder provided on a support is imagewise exposed to form a latent image, and then the material is heated to form a polymer within the area where the latent image of the silver halide has been formed. The above method employing the dry process and the light-sensitive material employable for such method are also described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 61(1986)-183640, 61(1986)-188535 and 61(1986)-228441.

The above-mentioned image forming methods are based on the principle in which the polymerizable compound is polymerized within the area where a latent image of the silver halide has been formed.

Further, Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61(1986)-260241 describes another image-forming method in which the polymerizable compound within the area where a latent image of the silver halide has not been formed is polymerized. In the method, when the material is heated, the reducing agent functions as a polymerization inhibitor within the area where a latent image of the silver halide has been formed, and the polymerizable compound within the other area is polymerized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a light-sensitive material which gives an improved clear having a high contrast.

There is provided by the present invention a light-sensitive material comprising light-sensitive layer containing silver halide, a reducing agent and a polymerizable compound provided on a support, characterized in that the light-sensitive layer contains a salt comprising a quaternary ammonium ion and an anion selected from the group consisting of a halogen ion, acetate ion, perchlorate ion, a sulfonate ion, oxalate ion, carbonate ion, sulfite ion and phosphoric hydrogen ion.

The light-sensitive material is particularly characterized in the above salt, which is hereinafter referred to as "quaternary ammonium salt".

In a conventional silver salt photographic system, it has been known that the quaternary ammonium salt functions as a development accelerater (see A. Lottermoser and R. Steudel, Kolloid-Z., 82, 319 (1938) and 83, 37 (1937); T. H. James, J. Phys. Colloid Chem., 55, 563 (1951); D. J. T. Howe and J. W. Glassett, Brit. 566,314, to Elliott and Sons Ltd. (1944); J. Willems, in ref. 56, p. 405; J. F. Willems, Photogr. Sci. Eng., 4, 101 (1960); J. F. Willems and G. F. Van Veelen, Photogr. Sci. Eng., 6, 39 (1962); J. F. Willems, ibid., 15, 213 (1971); T. H. James, ibid., 10, 344 (1966); J. W. Mitchell, Rep. Prog. Phys., 20, 433 (1957); H. W. Wood, J. Photogr. Sci., 9, 84 (1961); and D. Neuberger and H. C. Roberts, Photogr. Sci. Eng., 12, 121 (1968)). However, the quaternary ammonium salt is scarecely used in practice, because the quaternary ammonium salt has a problem of increasing occurrence of fog in the image. Further, on the contrary, the quaternary ammonium salt has been sometimes used as a fogging agent (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,115,122 corresponding to Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 52(1977)-69613, U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,044 and Research Disclosure No. 22534, p. 50-54, Jan., (1983)).

The present inventor has found that in the above-mentioned image forming method, the quaternary ammonium salt can function as an excellent development accelerator without increasing occurrence of fog. In the image forming method, the salt prominently accelerates the developing reaction with substantially no adverse effect within the area where a latent image of silver halide has been formed.

Therefore, the light-sensitive material of the present invention can give an improved clear having a high contrast, because the developing reaction for accelerating (or inhibiting) a polymerization smoothly proceeds without increasing occurrence of fog.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, the quaternary ammonium salt comprises a quaternary ammonium ion and an anion selected from the group consisting of a halogen ion, acetate ion, perchlorate ion, a sulfonate ion, oxalate ion, carbonate ion, sulfite ion and phosphoric hydrogen ion. There is no specific limitation with respect to the combination of the quaternary ammonium ion and the anion.

The term "quaternary ammonium ion" is employed in a broad sense in the present specification. For instance, examples of the quaternary ammonium ion include nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ions, as well as ions in which four hydrocarbon groups are attached to nitrogen atom (i.e., quaternary ammonium ion in a narrow sense).

The ion in which four hydrocarbon group are attached to nitrogen atom (quaternary ammonium ion in a narrow sence) has the following formula (I); ##STR1##

In the formula (I), each of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ independently is a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and an alkoxy group, each of which may have one or more substituent groups. Among them, an alkyl group and an aralkyl group are more preferred.

Each of them preferably contains 1-30 carbon atoms (including the carbon atoms contained in the optionally attachable substituent group). The quaternary ammonium ion having the formula (I) preferably contains 10-50 carbon atoms as a whole, and more preferably contains 20-40 carbon atoms. The alkyl group, the alkenyl group, the alkynyl group and the alkoxy group may be either a straight chain group or a branched chain group.

Examples of the substituent groups include alkoxy group, an acylamino group, a sulfonylamino group, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, an acyloxy group, an alkoxy carbonyl group, hydroxyl, cyano and a halogen atom. Among them, an acylamino group and carbamoyl are particularly preferred. Each of the substituent group may be further substituted with another group.

Two or more quaternary ammonium ions having the formula (I) may form a multivalent ion, such as an ion having the following formula (III) or (IV): ##STR2##

In the formulas (III) and (IV), each of R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ has the same meaning as for R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ in the formula (I).

R¹² is a divalent hydrocarbon group derived from a group indicated for R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ in the formula (I).

R¹³ is an m-valent hydrocarbon group derived from a group indicated for R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ in the formula (I).

"n" is an integer of 1 or more and "m" is an integer of 2 or more.

In the present specification, examples of the quaternary ammonium ions include nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ions. The hetero ring of the ion preferably consists of nitrogen and carbon atoms only. At least one bond between nitrogen atom and carbon atom in the hetero ring preferably is a double bond. The hetero ring preferably has an aromaticity.

From the above point of view, the hetero ring of the ion preferably is a pyridinium ring, a quinolinium ring or an isoquinolinium ring. In other words, among the quaternary ammonium ions having a heterocyclic ring, an ion having the following formula (II) is particularly preferred: ##STR3##

In the formula (II), R⁵ is a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group and an alkoxy group, each of which may have one or more substituent groups. Among them, an alkyl group is most preferred. Each of them preferably contains 1-30 carbon atoms (including the carbon atoms contained in the optionally attachable substituent group). The quaternary ammonium ion having the formula (II) preferably contains 6-40 carbon atoms as a whole, and more preferably contains 8-30 carbon atoms. The alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group and alkoxy group may be either a straight chain group or a branched chain group.

Examples of the substituent groups which are optionally attached to R⁵ include an alkoxy group, an acylamino group, an sulfonylamino group, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, an acyloxy group, an alkoxy carbonyl group, hydroxyl, cyano and a halogen atom. Among them, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an alkoxy carbonyl group and hydroxyl are particularly preferred. Each of the substituent group may be further substituted with another group.

In the formula (II), the pyridinium ring may be condensed (or fused) with one or more benzene rings, and the pyridinium ring (including the condensed ring) may have one or more substituent groups.

Examples of the substituent group which are optionally attached to the pyridinium ring or the benzene ring condensed with the pyridinium ring include an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an acylamino group, a sulfonylamino group, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, an acyloxy group, an alkoxy carbonyl group, hydroxyl, cyano and a halogen atom. Among them, an acylamino group and carbamoyl are particularly preferred. Each of the substituent group may be further substituted with another group.

Two or more quaternary ammonium ions having the formula (II) may form a multivalent ion, such as an ion having the following formula (V): ##STR4##

In the formula (V), R¹⁷ is a p-valent hydrocarbon group derivated from a groups which can be R⁵ in the formula (II).

The pyridinium ring may be condensed with one or more benzene ring, and the pyridinium ring (including the condensed ring) may have one or more substituent groups.

"p" is an integer of 2 or more.

The anion of the quaternary ammonium salt is a halogen ion, acetate ion, perchlorate ion, a sulfonate ion, oxalate ion, carbonate ion, sulfite ion or phosphoric hydrogen ion. Among them, a halogen ion is more preferred. Among the halogen ion, a chloride ion and a bromide ion are most preferred.

Examples of the quaternary ammonium salt which are preferably used in the invention are described hereinafter. ##STR5##

These quaternary ammonium salts can be synthesized according to a known synthesis method of organic compounds.

The quaternary ammonium salt can be used singly or in combination of two or more compounds.

The light-sensitive layer preferably contains the quaternary ammonium salt in an amount of from 0.1 to 200 weight % based on the total silver content of the silver halide, and more preferably in an amount of from 5 to 50 weight %.

The silver halide, the reducing agent, the polymerizable compound and the support which constitute the light-sensitive material of the invention are described below. Thus composed material is referred hereinafter to as "light-sensitive material".

There is no specific limitation with respect to silver halide contained in the light-sensitive layer of the light-sensitive material. Examples of the silver halides include as silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver chlorobromide, silver chloroiodide, silver iodobromide, and silver chloroiodobromide in the form of grains.

The halogen composition of individual grains may be homogeneous or heterogeneous. The heterogeneous grains having a multilayered structure in which the halogen composition varies from the core to the outer shell (see Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 57(1982)-154232, 58(1983)-108533, 59(1984)-48755 and 59(1984)-52237, U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,048, and European Patent No. 100,984) can be employed. A silver halide grain having a core/shell structure in which the silver iodide content in the shell is higher than that in the core can be also employed.

There is no specific limitation on the crystal habit of silver halide grains. For example, a tubular grain having an aspect ratio of not less than 3 can be used.

Two or more kinds of silver halide grains which differ in halogen composition, crystal habit, grain size, and/or other features from each other can be used in combination.

There is no specific limitation on grain size distribution of silver halide grains. For example, the silver halide grains having such a grain size distribution that the coefficient of the variation is not more than 20% can be employed.

The silver halide grains ordinarily have a mean size of 0.001 to 5 μm, more preferably 0.001 to 2 μm.

The total silver content (including silver halide and an organic silver salt which is one of optional components) in the light-sensitive layer preferably is in the rage of from 0.1 mg/m² to 10 g/m². The silver content of the silver halide in the light-sensitive layer preferably is not more than 1 g/m², more preferably in the range from 1 mg to 90 mg/m².

The reducing agent employed in the light-sensitive material has a function of reducing the silver halide and/or a function of accelerating or restraining a polymerization of the polymerizable compound. Examples of the reducing agents having these functions include various compounds, such as hydroquinones, catechols, p-aminophenols, p-phenylenediamines, 3-pyrazolidones, 3-aminopyrazoles, 4-amino-5-pyrazolones, 5-aminouracils, 4,5-dihydroxy-6-aminopyrimidines, reductones, aminoreductones, o- or p-sulfonamidophenols, o- or p-sulfonamidonaphthols, 2-sulfonamidoindanones, 4-sulfonamido-5-pyrazolones, 3-sulfonamidoindoles, sulfonamidopyrazolobenzimidazoles, sulfonamidopyrazolotriazoles, α-sulfonamidoketones, hydrazines, etc. Depending on the nature or amount of the reducing agent, the polymerizable compound within either the area where a latent image of the silver halide has been formed or the area where a latent image of the silver halide has not been formed can be polymerized. In the developing system in which the polymerizable compound within the area where the latent image has not been formed is polymerized, 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone is preferably employed as the reducing agent.

The light-sensitive materials employing the reducing agent having these functions (including compounds referred to as developing agent, hydrazine derivative or precursor of reducing agent) are described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 61(1986)-183640, 61(1986)-188535 and 61(1986)-228441. These reducing agents are also described in T. James, "The Theory of the Photographic Process", 4th edition, pp. 291-334 (1977), Research Disclosure No. 17029, pp. 9-15 (Jun. 1978), and Research Disclosure No. 17643, pp. 22-31 (Dec. 1978). The reducing agents described in the these publications can be employed in the light-sensitive material of the present invention. Thus, "the reducing agent(s)" in the present specification means to include all of the reducing agents described in the above mentioned publications and applications.

These reducing agents can be used singly or in combination. In the case that two or more reducing agents are used in combination, certain interactions between these reducing agents may be expected. One of the interactions is for acceleration of reduction of silver halide (and/or an organic silver salt) through so-called super-additivity. Other interaction is for a chain reaction in which an oxidized state of one reducing agent formed by a reduction of silver halide (and/or an organic silver salt) induces or inhibits the polymerization of the polymerizable compound via oxidation-reduction reaction with other reducing agent. Both interactions may occur simultaneously. Thus, it is difficult to determine which of the interactions has occurred in practical use.

Examples of these reducing agents include pentadecylhydroquinone, 5-t-butylcatechol, p-(N,N-diethylamino)-phenol, 1-phenyl-4-methyl-4-hydroxymethyl-3-pyrazolidone, 1-phenyl-4-methyl-4-heptadecylcarbonyloxymethyl-3-pyrazolidone, 2-phenylsulfonylamino-4-hexadecyloxy-5-t-octylphenol, 2-phenylsulfonylamino-4-t-butyl-5-hexadecyloxyphenol, 2-(N-butylcarbamoyl)-4-phenylsulfonylaminonaphtol, 2-(N-methyl-N-octadecylcarbamoyl)-4-sulfonylaminonaphthol, 1-acetyl-2-phenylhydrazine, 1-acetyl-2-(p- or o-aminophenyl)hydrazine, 1-formyl-2-(p- or o-aminophenyl)hydrazine, 1-acetyl-2-(p- or o-methoxyphenyl)hydrazine, 1-lauroyl-2-(p- or o-aminophenyl)hydrazine, 1-trityl-2-(2,6-dichloro-4-cyanophenyl)hydrazine, 1-trityl-2-phenylhydrazine, 1-phenyl-2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)hydrazine, 1-{2-(2,5-di-tert-pentylphenoxy)butyloyl}-2-(p- or o-aminophenyl)hydrazine, 1-{2-(2,5-di-t-pentylphenoxy)-butyloyl}-2-(p- or o-aminophenyl)hydrazine pentadecylfluorocaprylate salt, 3-indazolinone, 1-(3,5-dichlorobenzoyl)-2-phenylhydrazine, 1-trityl-2-[{(2-N-butyl-N-octylsulfamoyl)-4-methanesulfonyl}phenyl]hydrazine, 1-{4-(2,5-di-tert-pentylphenoxy)butyloyl}-2-(p- or o-methoxyphenyl)hydrazine, 1-(methoxycarbonylbenzohydryl)-2-phenylhydrazine, 1-formyl-2-[4-{2-(2,4-di-tert-pentylphenoxy)butylamide}phenyl]hydrazine, 1-acetyl-2-[4-{ 2-(2,4-di-tert-pentylphenoxy)butylamido}phenyl]hydrazine, 1-trityl-2-[{2,6-dichloro-4-(N,N-di-2-ethylhexyl)carbamoyl}phenyl]hydrazine, 1-(methoxycarbonylbenzohydryl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)hydrazine, 1-trityl-2-[{2-(N-ethyl-N-octylsulfamoyl)-4-methanesulfonyl}phenyl]hydrazine, 1-benzoyl-2-tritylhydrazine, 1-(4-butoxybenzoyl)-2-tritylhydrazine, 1-(2,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-2-tritylhydrazine, 1-(4-dibutylcarbamoylbenzoyl)-2-tritylhydrazine and 1-(1-naphthoyl)-2-tritylhydrazine.

The amount of the reducing agent in the light-sensitive layer preferably ranges from 0.1 to 1,500 mole % based on the amount of silver (contained in the above-mentioned silver halide and an organic silver salt).

There is no specific limitation with respect to the polymerizable compound, and any known polymerizable compounds including monomers, oligomers and polymers can be contained in the light-sensitive layer. In the case that heat development (i.e., thermal development) is utilized for developing the light-sensitive material, the polymerizable compounds having a relatively higher boiling point (e.g., 80° C. or higher) that are hardly evaporated upon heating are preferably employed. In the case that the light-sensitive layer contains a color image forming substance, the polymerizable compounds are preferably cross-linkable compounds having plural polymerizable groups in the molecule, because such cross-linkable compounds favorably serve for fixing the color image forming substance in the course of polymerization hardening of the polymerizable compounds.

Preferred polymerizable compounds employable for the light-sensitive material are compounds which are polymerizable through addition reaction or ring-opening reaction. Preferred examples of the compounds being polymerizable through addition reaction include compounds having an ethylenic unsaturated group. Preferred examples of the compounds being polymerizable through ring-opening reaction include the compounds having an epoxy group. Among them, the compounds having an ethylenic unsaturated group are preferred.

Examples of compounds having an ethylenic unsaturated group include acrylic acid, salts of acrylic acid, acrylic esters, acrylamides, methacrylic acid, salts of methacrylic acid, methacrylic esters, methacrylamide, maleic anhydride, maleic esters, itaconic esters, styrene, styrene derivatives, vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, N-vinyl heterocyclic compounds, allyl ethers, allyl esters, and compounds carrying a group or groups corresponding to one or more of these compounds.

Concrete examples of the acrylic esters include n-butyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, furfuryl acrylate, ethoxyethoxy acrylate, dicyclohexyloxyethyl acrylate, nonylphenyloxyethyl acrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, butanediol diacrylate, neopentylglycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, diacrylate of polyoxyethylenated bisphenol A, polyacrylate of hydroxypolyether, polyester acrylate, and polyurethane acrylate.

Concrete examples of the methacrylic esters include methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butanediol dimethacrylate, neopentylglycol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol tetramethacrylate, and dimethacrylate of polyoxyalkylenated bisphenol A.

The polymerizable compounds can be used singly or in combination of two or more compounds. For example, a mixture of two or more polymerizable componds can be employed. Further, compounds formed by bonding a polymerizable group such as a vinyl group or a vinylidene group to a reducing agent or a color image forming substance are also employed as the polymerizable compounds. The light-sensitive materials employing these compounds which show functions as both the reducing agent and the polymerizable compound, or of the color image forming substance and the polymerizable compound are included in embodiments of the invention.

The amount of the polymerizable compound for incorporation into the light-sensitive layer preferably ranges from 5 to 1.2×10⁵ times (by weight) as much as the amount of silver halide, more preferably from 10 to 1×10⁴ times as much as the silver halide.

The light-sensitive material can be prepared by arranging a light-sensitive layer containing the above-mentioned components on a support. There is no limitation with respect to the support. In the case that heat development is utilized in the use of the light-sensitive material, material of the support preferably is resistant to heat given in the processing stage. Examples of the material employable for the preparation of the support include glass, paper, fine paper, coat paper, synthetic paper, metals and analogues thereof, polyester, acetyl cellulose, cellulose ester, polyvinyl acetal, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and paper laminated with resin or polymer (e.g., polyethylene). In the case that a porous material, such as paper is employed as the support, the porous support preferably has such a surface characteristic that a filtered maximum waviness of not less than 4 μm is observed in not more than 20 positions among 100 positions which are determined at random on a filtered waviness curve obtained according to JIS-B-0610.

Various embodiments of the light-sensitive materials, optional components which may be contained in the light-sensitive layer, and auxiliary layers which may be optionally arranged on the light-sensitive materials are described below.

The polymerizable compound is preferably dispersed in the form of oil droplets in the light-sensitive layer. Other components in the light-sensitive layer, such as silver halide, the reducing agent, the quaternary ammonium salt, the color image forming substances may be also contained in the oil droplets.

The oil droplets of the polymerizable compound are preferably prepared in the form of microcapsules. There is no specific limitation the microcapsules, and various known manners can be employed.

There is also no specific limitation on shell material of the microcapsule, and various known materials such as polymers which are employed in the conventional microcapsules can be employed as the shell material. Examples of the shell material include polyamide resin and/or polyester resin, polyurea resin and/or polyurethane resin, aminoaldehide resin, gelatin, epoxy resin, a complex resin containing polyamide resin and polyurea resin, a complex resin containing polyurethane resin and polyester resin.

The silver halide grains are preferably arranged in the shell material of the microcapsules.

Further, two or more kinds of the microcapsules differing from each other with respect to at least one of the silver halide and the polymerizable compound can be employed. Furthermore, three or more kinds of the microcapsules differing from each other with respect to the color image formation substance is preferably employed to form a full color image.

The mean size of the microcapsule preferably ranges from 3 to 20 μm. In the light-sensitive material of the invention, the mean grain size of the silver halide grains preferably is not more than the 5th part of the mean size of the microcapsules, more preferably is not more than the 10th part. It is observed that when the mean size of the microcapsules is not less than 5 times as much as the mean grain size of silver halide grains, even and uniform image can be obtained.

The light-sensitive layer can further contain optional components such as color image forming substances, sensitizing dyes, organic silver salts, various kinds of image formation accelerators, thermal polymerization inhibitors, thermal polymerization initiators, development stopping agents, fluorescent brightening agents, discoloration inhibitors, antihalation dyes or pigments, antiirradiation dyes or pigments, matting agents, antismudging agents, plasticizers, water releasers, binders, photo polymerization initiators and solvents of the polymerizable compound.

The light-sensitive material can obtained a polymer image, and the further obtained a color image containing the color image forming substance as optional components.

There is no specific limitation with respect to the color image forming substance, and various kinds of substances can be employed. Thus, examples of the color image forming substance include both colored substance (i.e., dyes and pigments) and non-colored or almost non-colored substance (i.e., color former or dye- or pigment-precursor) which develops to give a color under application of external energy (e.g., heating, pressing, light irradiation, etc.) or by contact with other components (i.e., developer). The light-sensitive material using the color image forming substance is described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61(1986)-73145 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,676 and European Patent Provisional Publication No. 0174634A2).

Examples of the dyes and pigments (i.e., colored substance) employable in the invention include commercially available ones, as well as various known compounds described in the technical publications, e.g., Yuki Gosei Kagaku Kyokai (ed.), Handbook of Dyes (in Japanese, 1970) and Nippon Ganryo Gijutsu Kyokai (ed.), New Handbook of Pigments (in Japanese, 1977). These dyes and pigments can be used in the form of a solution or dispersion.

Examples of the substances which develop to give a color by certain energy includes thermochromic compounds, piezochromic compounds, photochromic compounds and leuco compounds derived from triarylmethane dyes, quinone dyes, indigoid dyes, azine dyes, etc. These compounds are capable of developing a color by heating, application of pressure, light-irradiation or air-oxidation.

Examples of the substances which develop to give a color in contact with other components include various compounds capable of developing a color through some reaction between two or more components, such as acidbase reaction, oxidation-reduction reaction, coupling reaction, chelating reaction, and the like. Examples of such color formation systems are described in Hiroyuki Moriga, "Introduction of Chemistry of Speciality Paper" (in Japanese, 1975), pp. 29-58 (pressure-sensitive copying paper), pp. 87-95 (azo-graphy), pp. 118-120 (heatsensitive color formation by a chemical change) or in MSS. of the seminer promoted by the Society of Kinki Chemical Industry, "The Newest Chemistry of Coloring Matter - Attractive Application and New Development as a Functional Coloring Matter", pp. 26-32 (Jun. 19, 1980). Examples of the color formation systems specifically include a color formation system used in pressure-sensitive papers, etc., comprising a color former having a partial structure of lactone, lactam, spiropyran, etc., and an acidic substance (developer), e.g., acid clay, phenol, etc.; a system utilizing azo-coupling reaction between an aromatic a diazonium salt, diazotate or diazosulfonate and naphthol, aniline, active methylene, etc.; a system utilizing a chelating reaction, such as a reaction between hexamethylenetetramine and a ferric ion and gallic acid, or a reaction between a phenolphthalein-complexon and an alkaline earth metal ion; a system utilizing oxidation-reduction reaction, such as a reaction between ferric stearate and pyrogallol, or a reaction between silver behenate and 4-methoxy-1-naphthol, etc.

In the case that the color image forming substance comprising two components (e.g., color former and a developer), one component and the polymerizable compound is contained in the microcapsule, and the other component is arranged outside of the microcapsule in the light-sensitive layer, a color image can be formed on the light-sensitive layer.

The color image forming substance in the light-sensitive material is preferably used in an amount of from 0.5 to 20 parts by weight, and more preferably from 2 to 7 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the polymerizable compound. In the case that the developer is used, it is preferably used in an amount of from about 0.3 to about 80 parts by weight per one part by weight of the color former.

There is no specific limitation with respect to the sensitizing dyes, and known sensitizing dyes used in the conventional art of photography may be employed in the light-sensitive material. Examples of the sensitizing dyes include methine dyes, cyanine dyes, merocyanine dyes, complex cyanine dyes, complex merocyanine dyes, holopolar cyanine dyes, hemicyanine dyes, styryl dyes, and hemioxonol dyes. These sensitizing dyes can be used singly or in combination. Combinations of sensitizing dyes are often used for the purpose of supersensitization. In addition to the sensitizing dyes, a substance which does not per se exhibit spectral sensitization effect or does not substantially absorb visible light but shows supersensitizing activity can be used. The amount of the sensitizing dye to be added generally ranges from about 10⁻⁸ to about 10⁻² mol per 1 mol of silver halide. The sensitizing dye is preferably added during the stage of the preparation of the silver halide emulsion (simultaneously with or after the grain formation).

When the heat development is employed in the use of the light-sensitive material, an organic silver salt is preferably contained in the light-sensitive material. It can be assumed that the organic silver salt takes part in a redox reaction using a silver halide latent image as a catalyst when heated to a temperature of 80° C. or higher. In such case, the silver halide and the organic silver salt preferably are located in contact with each other or close together. Examples of organic compounds employable for forming such organic silver salt include aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids, thiocarbonyl group-containing compounds having a mercapto group or an α-hydrogen atom, imino group-containing compounds, and the like. Among them, benzotriazoles are most preferable. The organic silver salt is preferably used in an amount of from 0.01 to 10 mole, and preferably from 0.01 to 1 mole, per 1 mole of the light-sensitive silver halide. Instead of the organic silver salt, an organic compound (e.g., benzotriazole) which can form an organic silver salt in combination with an inoganic silver salt can be added to the light-sensitive layer to obtain the same effect.

Various image formation accelerators are employable in the light-sensitive material. The image formation accelerators have a function to accelerate the oxidation-reduction reaction between a silver halide (and/or an organic silver salt) and a reducing agent, a function to accelerate emigration of an image forming substance from a light-sensitive layer to an image-receiving material or an image-receiving layer, or a similar function. The image formation accelerators can be classified into inoragnic bases, organic bases, base precursors, oils, surface active agents, compounds functioning as an antifogging agent and/or a development accelerator, hot-melt solvents, antioxidants and the like. These groups, however, generally have certain combined functions, i.e., two or more of the above-mentioned effects. Thus, the above classification is for the sake of convenience, and one compound often has a plurality of functions combined.

Various examples of these image formation accelerators are shown below.

Preferred examples of the inorganic bases include hydroxides of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals; secondary or tertiary phosphates, borates, carbonates, quinolinates and metaborates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals; a combination of zinc hydroxide or zinc oxide and a chelating agent (e.g., sodium picolinate); ammonium hydroxide; hydroxides of quaternary alkylammoniums; and hydroxides of other metals. Preferred examples of the organic bases include aliphatic amines (e.g., trialkylamines, hydroxylamines and aliphatic polyamines); aromatic amines (e.g., N-alkyl-substituted aromatic amines, N-hydroxylalkyl-substituted aromatic amines and bis[p-(dialkylamino)phenyl]-methanes), heterocyclic amines, amidines, cyclic amidines, guanidines, and cyclic guanidines. Of these bases, those having a pKa of 7 or more are preferred.

The base precursors preferably are those capable of releasing bases upon reaction by heating, such as salts between bases and organic acids capable of decarboxylation by heating, compounds capable of releasing amines through intramolecular nucleophilic substitution, Lossen rearrangement, or Beckmann rearrangement, and the like; and those capable of releasing bases by electrolysis. Preferred examples of the base precursors include guanidine trichloroacetate, piperidine trichloroacetate, morpholine trichloroacetate, p-toluidine trichloroacetate, 2-picoline trichloroacetate, guanidine phenylsulfonylacetate, guanidine 4-chlorophenylsulfonylacetate, guanidine 4-methyl-sulfonylphenylsulfonylacetate, and 4-acetylaminomethyl propionate.

These bases or base precursors are preferably used in an amount of not more than 100% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, based on the total solid content of the light-sensitive layer. These bases or base precursors can be used singly or in combination.

In the light-sensitive material, the silve halide, the reducing agent and the polymerizable compound are preferably contained in a microcapsule and the base or base precursor is prefarably arranged outside of the microcapsule in the light-sensitive layer. Further, the base or base precursor can be contained in a different microcapsule from that containing the polymerizable compound. The base or base precursor can be contained in the microcapsule under condition that the base or base precursor is dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous solution of a water retention agent, orr under condition that the base or base precursor is adsorbed on solid particles. Furthermore, the base or base precursor can be contained in a layer different from the light-sensitive layer.

Examples of the oils employable in the invention include high-boiling organic solvents which are used as solvents in emulsifying and dispersing hydrophobic compounds.

Examples of the surface active agents employable in the invention include pyridinium salts, ammonium salts and phosphonium salts as described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 59(1984)-74547; polyalkylene oxides as described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 59(1984)-57231.

The compounds functioning as an antifogging agent and/or a development accelerator are used to give a clear image having a high maximum density and a low minimum density (an image having high contrast). Examples of the compounds include a 5- or 6-membered nitrogen containing heterocyclic compound (e.g., a cyclic amide compound), a thiourea derivative, a thioether compound, a polyethylene glycol derivative, a thiol derivative, an acetylene compound and a sulfonamide derivative.

The hot-melt solvents preferably are compounds which may be used as solvent of the reducing agent or those which have high dielectric constant and can accelerate physical development of silver salts. Examples of the hot-melt solvents include polyethylene glycols, derivatives of polyethylene oxides (e.g., oleate ester), beeswax, monostearin and high dielectric constant compounds having --SO₂ -- and/or --CO-- group described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,675; polar compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,959; and 1,10-decanediol, methyl anisate and biphenyl suberate described in Research Disclosure pp. 26-28 (Dec.1976).

The thermal polymerization initiators employable in the light-sensitive material preferably are compounds that are decomposed under heating to generate a polymerization initiating species, particularly a radical, and those commonly employed as initiators of radical polymerization. The thermal polymerization initiators are described in "Addition Polymerization and Ring Opening Polymerization", pp. 6-18, edited by the Editorial Committee of High Polymer Experimental Study of the High Polymer Institute, published by Kyoritsu Shuppan (1983). Examples of the thermal polymerization initiators include azo compounds, e.g., azobisisobutyronitrile, 1,1'-azobis-(1-cyclohexanecarbonitrile), dimethyl 2,2'-azobisisobutyrate, 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), and azobisdimethylvaleronitrile; organic peroxides, e.g., benzoyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, tertbutyl hydroperoxide, and cumene hydroperoxide; inorganic peroxides, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, potassium persulfate, and ammonium persulfate; and sodium p-toluenesulfinate. The thermal polymerization initiators are preferably used in an amount of from 0.1 to 120% by weight, and more preferably from 1 to 10% by weight, based on amount of the polymerizable compound. In a system in which the polymerizable compound within the area where the latent image has not been formed is polymerized, the thermal polymerization initiators are preferably incorporated into the light-sensitive layer. The light-sensitive material employing the thermal polymerization initiators is described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61(1986)-260241.

The development stopping agents employable in the light-sensitive material are compounds that neutralize a base or react with a base to reduce the base concentration in the layer to thereby stop development, or compounds that mutually react with silver or a silver salt to suppress development. More specifically, examples of the development stopping agents include acid precursors capable of releasing acids upon heating electrophilic compounds capable of undergoing substitution reaction with a coexisting base upon heating, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, mercapto compounds, and the like. Examples of the acid precursors include oxide esters described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 60(1985)-108837 and 60(1985)-192939 and compounds which release acids through Lossen rearrangement described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 60(1985)-230133. Examples of the electrophilic compounds which induce substitution reaction with bases upon heating are described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 60(1985)-230134.

The antismudging agents employable in the light-sensitive material preferably are particles which are solid at ambient temperatures. Examples of the antismudging agents include starch particles described in U.K. Patent No. 1,232,347; polymer particles described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,736; microcapsule particles containing no color former described in U.K. Patent No. 1,235,991; and cellulose particles, and inorganic particles, such as particles of talc, kaolin, bentonite, agalmatolite, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or aluminum oxide described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,711,375. Such particles preferably have a mean size of 3 to 50 μm, more preferably 5 to 40 μm. The size of said particle is preferably larger than that of the microcapsule.

Binders employable in the light-sensitive material preferably are transparent or semi-transparent hydrophilic binders. Examples of the binders include natural substances, such as gelatin, gelatin derivatives, cellulose derivatives, starch, and gum arabic; and synthetic polymeric substances, such as water-soluble polyvinyl compounds e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and acrylamide polymers. In addition to the synthetic polymeric substances, vinyl compounds dispersed in the form of latex, which are particularly effective to increase dimensional stability of photographic materials, can be also used. These binders can be used singly or in combination. The light-sensitive material employing a binder is described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61(1986)-69062 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,676 and European Patent Provisional Publication No. 0174634A2).

A photo polymerization initiator can be contained in the light-sensitive layer to polymerize the unpolymerized polymerizable compound after the image-formation.

In the case that the solvent of the polymerizable compound is used, the solvent is preferably contained in a microcapsule which is different from the microcapsule containing the polymerizable compound.

Examples and usage of the other optional components which can be contained in the light-sensitive layer are also described in the above-mentioned publications and applications concerning the light-sensitive material, and in Research Disclosure Vol. 170, No. 17029, pp. 9-15 (Jun. 1978).

Examples of auxiliary layers which are optionally arranged on the light-sensitive material include an image-receiving layer, a heating layer, an antistatic layer, an anticurl layer, a release layer, a cover sheet or a protective layer, a layer containing a base or base precursor and a base barrier layer.

Instead of the use of the image-receiving material, the image-receiving layer can be arranged on the light-sensitive material to produce the desired image on the image-receiving layer of the light-sensitive material. The image-receiving layer of the light-sensitive material can be constructed in the same manner as the layer of the image-receiving material. The details of the image-receiving layer will be discribed later.

The light-sensitive material of the invention can be prepared, for instance, by the following process.

The light-sensitive material is usually prepared by dissolving, emulsifying or dispersing each of the components of the light-sensitive layer in an adequate medium to obtain coating solution, and then coating the obtained coating solution on a support.

The coating solution can be prepared by mixing liquid compositions each containing a component of the light-sensitive layer. Liquid composition containing two or more components may be also used in the preparation of the coating solution. Some components of the light-sensitive layer can be directly added to the coating solution or the liquid composition. Further, a secondary composition can be prepared by emulsifying the oily (or aqueous) composition in an aqueous (or oily) medium to obtain the coating solution.

The silver halide is preferably prepared in the form of a silver halide emulsion. Various processes for the preparation of the silver halide emulsion are known in the conventional technology for the preparation of photographic materials.

The silver halide emulsion can be prepared by the acid process, neutral process or ammonia process. In the stage for the preparation, a soluble silver salt and a halogen salt can be reacted in accordance with the single jet process, double jet process or a combination thereof. A reverse mixing method, in which grains are formed in the presence of excess silver ions, or a controlled double jet process, in which a pAg value is maintained constant, can be also employed. In order to accelerate grain growth, the concentrations or amounts or the silver salt and halogen salt to be added or the rate of their addition can be increased as described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 55(1980)-142329 and 55(1980) -158124, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,650,757, etc.

In the preparation of the silver halide emulsions, water soluble vinyl polymers are preferably added. The water soluble vinyl polymers are advantageously used as protective colloids, or can be used with other hydrophilic colloids.

In the formation of silver halide grains in the silver halide emulsion, ammonia, an organic thioether derivative as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 47(1972)-11386 or sulfur-containing compound as described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 53(1978)-144319 can be used as a silver halide solvent. Further, in the grain formation or physical ripening, a cadmium salt, a zinc salt, a lead salt, a thallium salt, or the like can be introduced into the reaction system. Furthermore, for the purpose of overcoming high or low intensity reciprocity law failure, a water-soluble iridium salt, e.g., iridium (III) or (IV) chloride, or ammonium hexachloroiridate, or a water-soluble rhodium salt, e.g., rhodium chloride can be used.

After the grain formation or physical ripening, soluble salts may be removed from the resulting emulsion by a known noodle washing method or a sedimentation method. The silver halide emulsion may be used in the primitive condition, but is usually subjected to chemical sensitization. Chemical sensitization can be carried out by the sulfur sensitization, reduction sensitization or noble metal sensitization, or a combination thereof that are known for emulsions for the preparation of the conventional light-sensitive materials.

When the sensitizing dyes are added to the silver halide emulsion, the sensitizing dye is preferably added during the preparation of the emulsion. When the organic silver salts are introduced into the light-sensitive microcapsule, the emulsion of the organic silver salts can be prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of the silver halide emulsion.

In the preparation of the light-sensitive material, the polymerizable compounds are used as the medium for preparation of the liquid composition containing another component of the light-sensitive layer. For example, the silver halide, including the silver halide emulsion), the reducing agent, or the color image forming substance can be dissolved, emulsified or dispersed in the polymerizable compound to prepare the light-sensitive material. Especially, the color image forming substance is preferably incorporated into the polymerizable compound. Further, the necessary components for preparation of a microcapsule, such as shell material can be incorporated into the polymerizable compound.

The light-sensitive composition which is the polymerizable compound containing the silver halide can be prepared using the silver halide emulsion. The light-sensitive composition can be also prepared using silver halide powders which can be prepared by lyophilization. These light-sensitive composition can be obtained by stirring the polymerizable compound and the silver halide using a homogenizer, a blender, a mixer or other conventional stirring device.

Polymers having a principal chain consisting essentially of a hydrocarbon chain substituted in part with hydrophilic groups which contain, in their terminal groups, --OH or nitrogen having a lone electron-pair are preferably introduced into the polymerizable compound prior to the preparation of the light-sensitive composition. The polymer has a function of dispersing silver halide or other component in the polymerizable compound very uniformly as well as a function of keeping thus dispered state. Further, the polymer has another function of gathering silver halide along the interface between the polymerizable compound (i.e., light-sensitive composition) and the aqueous medium in preparation of the microcapsule. Therefore, using this polymer, silver halide can be easily introduced into the shell material of the microcapsule.

The light-sensitive composition can be also prepared by dispersing microcapsule containing silver halide emulsion as a core structure in the polymerizable compound instead of employing the above polymer.

Further, optional components, such as the reducing agents, the color image forming substances may dissolved, emulsified or dispersed in the light-sensitive composition. Furthermore, the necessary components for preparation of the microcapsule, such as shell wall-forming materials can be incorporated into in the light-sensitive composition.

The light-sensitive composition are preferably emulsified in an aqueous medium to prepare the microcapsule in the invention. The necessary components for preparation of the microcapsule, such as shell materials can be incorporated into the emulsion. Further, other components such as the reducing agent can be added to the emulsion.

The emulsion of the light-sensitive composition is then processed for forming shell of the microcapsule. Examples of the process for the preparation of the microcapsules include a process utilizing coacervation of hydrophilic wall-forming materials as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,800,457 and 2,800,458; an interfacial polymerization process as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,287,154, U.K. Patent No. 990,443 and Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 38(1963)-19574, 42(1967)-446 and 42(1967)-771; a process utilizing precipitation of polymers as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,418,250 and 3,660,304; a process of using isocyanate-polyol wall materials as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,669; a process of using isocyanate wall materials as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,511; a process of using ureaformaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde-resorcinol wall-forming materials as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,001,140, 4,087,376 and 4,089,802; a process of using melamineformaldehyde resins hydroxypropyl cellulose or like wall-forming materials as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,455; an in situ process utilizing polymerization of monomers as described in U.K. Patent No. 867,797 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,140; an electrolytic dispersion and cooling process as described in U.K. Patent Nos. 952,807 and 965,074; a spray-drying process as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,111,407 and U.K. Pat. 930,422; and the like. It is preferable, though not limitative, that the microcapsule is prepared by emulsifying core materials containing the polymerizable compound and forming a polymeric membrane (i.e., shell) over the core materials.

When the emulsion of the polymerizable compound (including the dispersion of the microcapsule) has been prepared by using the light-sensitive composition, the emulsion can be used as the coating solution of the light-sensitive material. The coating solution can be also prepared by mixing the emulsion of the polymerizable compound and the silver halide emulsion.

The quaternary ammonium salt can be added at each stage of the above-mentioned process to prepare the coating solution of the light-sensitive layer.

A light-sensitive material of the invention can be prepared by coating and drying the above-prepared coating solution on a support in the conventional manner.

Use of the light-sensitive material is described below.

In the use of the light-sensitive material of the invention, a development process is conducted simultaneously with or after an imagewise exposure.

Various exposure means can be employed in the imagewise exposure, and in general, the latent image on the silver halide is obtained by imagewise exposure to radiation including visible light. The type of light source and exposure can be selected depending on the light-sensitive wavelengths determined by spectral sensitization or sensitivity of silver halide. Original image can be either monochromatic image or color image.

Development of the light-sensitive material can be conducted simultaneously with or after the imagewise exposure. The development can be conducted using a developing solution in the same manner as the image forming method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 45(1970)-11149. The image forming method described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61(1986)-69062 which employs a heat development process has an advantage of simple procedures and short processing time because of the dry process. Thus, the latter method is preferred as the development process of the light-sensitive material.

Heating in the heat development process can be conducted in various known manners. The heating layer which is arranged on the light-sensitive material can be used as the heating means in the same manner as the light-sensitive material described in Japanese Patent Application No. 60(1985)-135568. Heating temperatures for the development process usually ranges from 80° C. to 200° C., and preferably from 100° C. to 160° C. Various heating patterns are applicable. The heating time is usually from 1 second to 5 minutes, and preferably from 5 seconds to 1 minute.

During the above development process, a polymerizable compound within the area where a latent image of the silver halide has been formed or within the area where a latent image of the silver halide has not been formed is polymerized. In a general system, the polymerizable compound within the area where the latent image has been formed is polymerized. If a nature or amount of the reducing agent is controlled, the polymerizable compound within the area where the latent image has not been formed can be polymerized in the same manner as the light -sensitive material described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61(1986)-260241.

In the above development process, a polymer image can be formed on the light-sensitive layer. A pigment image can be also obtained by fixing pigments onto the polymer image.

The image can be also formed on the image-receiving material. The image-receiving material is described hereinbelow. The image forming method employing the image-receiving material or the image-receiving layer is described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 61(1986)-278849.

Examples of the material employable as the support of the image-receiving material include baryta paper in addition to various examples which can be employed as the support of the light-sensitive material. In the case that a porous material, such as paper is employed as the support of the image-receiving material, the porous support preferably has such a surface characteristic that a filtered maximum waviness of not less than 4 μm is observed in not more than 20 positions among 100 positions which are determined at random on a filtered waviness curve obtained according to JIS-B-0610. Further, a transparent material can be employed as the support of the image-receiving material to obtain a transparent or a projected image.

The image-receiving material is usually prepared by providing the image-receiving layer on the support. The image-receiving layer can be constructed according to the color formation system. In the cases that a polymer image is formed on the image-receiving material and that a dye or pigment is employed as the color image forming substance, the image-receiving material be composed of a simple support.

For example, when a color formation system using a color former and developer is employed, the developer can be contained in the image-receiving layer. Further, the image-receiving layer can be composed of at least one layer containing a mordant. The mordant can be selected from the compounds known in the art of the conventional photography according to the kind of the color image forming substance. If desired, the image-receiving layer can be composed of two or more layers containing two or more mordants different in the mordanting power from each other.

The image-receiving layer preferably contains a polymer as binder. The binder which may be employed in the above-mentioned light-receiving layer is also employable in the image-receiving layer. Further, a polymer having a transmission coefficient of oxygen of not more than 1.0×10⁻¹¹ cm³.cm/cm².sec.cmHg can be used as the binder to protect the color of the image formed on the image-receiving material.

The image-receiving layer can contain a granulated thermoplastic compound to obtain a glossy image. Further, the image-receiving layer can contain a white pigment such as titanium dioxide to function as a white reflection layer. Furthermore, a photo polymerization initiators or a thermal polymerization initiators can be contained in the image-receiving layer to polymerize the unpolymerizable polymerizable compound.

The thickness of the image-receiving layer preferably ranges from 1 to 100 μm, and more preferably ranges from 1 to 20 μm.

A protective layer can be provided on the surface of the image-receiving layer.

After the development process, pressing the light-sensitive material on the image-receiving material to transfer the unpolymerized polymerizable compound to the image-receiving material, a polymer imabe can be obtained in the image-receiving material. The process for pressing can be carried out in vaious known manners.

In the case that the light-sensitive layer contains a color image forming substance, the color image forming substance is fixed by polymerization of the polymerizable compound. Then, pressing the light-sensitive material in contact with the image-receiving material transfer the color image forming substance in unfixed ortion, a color image can be produced on the image-receiving material.

The light-sensitive material can be used for monochromatic or color photography, printing, radiography, diagnosis (e.g., CRT photography of diagnostic device using supersonic wave), copy (e.g., computer-graphic hard copy), etc.

The present invention is further described by the following examples without limiting the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of silver halide emulsion

In 1,000 ml of water were dissolved 10 g of gelatin and 2 g of sodium chloride, and the resulting gelatin solution was kept at 70° C. while stirring. To the gelatin solution, 600 ml of an aqueous solution containing 70 g of potassium bromide and 600 ml of an aqueous solution containing 0.59 mole of silver nitrate were added simultaneously at the same feed rate over a period of 60 minutes. Further, after 2 minutes, to the resulting mixture, 100 ml of an aqueous solution containing 2.0 g of potassium iodide and 100 ml of aqueous solution containing 0.01 mole of silver nitrate were added simultaneously at the same feed rate over 10 minutes.

The emulsion was washed for desalting. Thus, a silver iodobrimide emulsion having tetradecahedral grains, uniform grain size distribution and a mean size of 0.30 μm. The yield of the emulsion was 600 g.

Preparation of silver benzotriazole emulsion

In 3,000 ml of water were dissolved 28 g of gelatin and 13.2 g of benzotriazole, and the solution was kept at 40° C. while stirring. To the solution was added 100 ml of an aqueous solution of 17 g of silver nitrate over 2 minutes. Excessive salts were sedimented and removed from the resulting emulsion by pH-adjustment. Thereafter, the emulsion was adjusted to pH 6.30 to obtain a silver benzotriazole emulsion. The yield of the emulsion was 400 g.

Preparation of light-sensitive composition

In 100 g of trimethylolpropane triacrylate were dissolved 0.40 g of the following copolymer and 6.00 g of Pargascript Red I-6-B (tradename of Ciba Geigy). ##STR6##

To 18.0 g of the resulting solution were added a solution in which 0.16 g of the following reducing agent (I) and 1.22 g of the following reducing agent (II) were dissolved in 1.80 g of methylene chloride. ##STR7##

Further, to the resulting solution were added 3.50 g of the silver halide emulsion, 3.35 g of the silver benzotriazole emulsion and 0.08 g of the following quaternary ammonium salt (1), and the mixture was stirred at 15,000 r.p.m. for 5 min. to obtain a light-sensitive composition. ##STR8##

Preparation of light-sensitive microcapsule

To 10.51 g of 18.6% of aqueous solution of Isobam (tradename of Kuraray Co., Ltd.) was added 48.56 g of 2.89% of aqueous solution of pectin. The light-sensitive composition was added to the resulting solution, and the mixture was stirred at 7,000 r.p.m. for 2 minutes to emulsify the light-sensitive composition in the aqueous medium.

To 72.5 g of the aqueous emulsion were added 8.32 g of 40% of aqueous solution of urea, 2.82 g of 11.3% of aqueous solution of resorcinol, 8.56 g of 37% aqueous solution of formaldehyde and 2.74 g of 8.76% of aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate in this order, and the mixture was heated at 60° C. for 2 hours while stirring. After the mixture was adjusted to a pH of 7.0 using 10% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, to the mixture was added 3.62 g of 30.9% aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen sulfite to obtain a dispersion of the light-sensitive microcapsule.

Preparation of light-sensitive material

To 10.0 g of the light-sensitive microcapsule dispersion were added 1.0 g of 1% aqueous solution of the following anionic surfactant and 1.0 g of 10% solution (solvent: water/ethanol=50/50 as volume ratio) of guanidine trichroloacetate to prepare a coating solution. The coating solution was coated on the polyethylene terephtalate film (thickness: 100 μm) using a coating rod of #40 to give a layer having wet thickness of 70 μm and dried at 40° C. to obtain a light-sensitive material (A). ##STR9##

EXAMPLE 2

Each of the light-sensitive materials (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) and (G) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that each of the quaternary ammonium salt (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) was respectively used in place of the quaternary ammonium salt (1). Each of the amount was the same mole as the amount (0.08 g) of the quaternary ammonium salt (1). ##STR10##

COMPARISON EXAMPLE 1

A light-sensitive material (H) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the quaternary ammonium salt was not added.

Preparation of image-receiving material

To 125 g of water was added 11 g of 40% aqueous solution of sodium hexametaphosphate, and were further added 34 g of zinc 3,5-di-α-methylbenzylsalicylate and 82 g of 55% slurry of calcium carbonate, followed by coarsely dispersing in a mixer.

The coarse dispersion was then finely dispersed in Dynomill dispersing device. To 200 g of the resulting dispersion were added 6 g of 50% latex of SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) and 55 g of 8% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, and the resulting mixture was made uniform. The mixture was then uniformly coated on an art paper having a basis weight of 43 g/m² to give a layer having a wet thickness of 30 μm and dried to obtain an image-receiving material.

Evaluation of light-sensitive material

Each of the light-sensitive materials (A) to (H) prepared in Examples 1 & 2 and Comparison Example 1 was imagewise exposed to light using a tungsten lamp at 200 lux for 1 second and then heated on a hot plate at 130° C. for 20 seconds. Each of the exposed and heated lightsensitive materials was then combined with the imagereceiving material and passed through press rolls under pressure of 350 kg/cm² to obtain a magenta positive image on the image-receiving material. The density of the obtained image was measured using Macbeth reflection densitometer.

The results are set forth in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Light-   Quaternary                                                            Sensitive                                                                               Ammonium      Maximum   Minimum                                       Material Salt          Density   Density                                       ______________________________________                                         (A)      (1)           1.22      0.05                                          (B)      (2)           1.18      0.12                                          (C)      (3)           1.19      0.11                                          (D)      (4)           1.24      0.09                                          (E)      (5)           1.20      0.07                                          (F)      (6)           1.18      0.11                                          (G)      (7)           1.18      0.09                                          (H)      --            1.19      0.68                                          ______________________________________                                    

It is apparent from the results in Table 1, each of the light-sensitive materials of the invention gives a clear positive image which has a low minimum density without increasing the occurrence of fog (without decreasing the maximum density).

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of silver halide emulsion

In 3,000 ml of water were dissolved 40 g of gelatin and 25 g of potassium bromide, and the solution was heated to 50° C. To the gelatin solution was added 200 ml of an aqueous solution containing 34 g of silver nitrate over a period of 10 minutes while stirring. To the solution was further added 100 ml of an aqueous solution containing 5.0 g of potassium iodido over 2 seconds to obtain an emulsion. Excessive salts were sedimented by pH-adjustment and removed from the resulting emulsion. Thereafter, the emulsion was adjusted to pH 6.0 to obtain a silver iodobromide emulsion. The yield of the emulsion was 400 g.

Preparation of light-sensitive composition

In 100 g of trimethylolpropane triacrylate were dissolved 0.40 g of the copolymer used in Example 1 and 6.00 g of Pargascript Red I-6-B (tradename of Ciba Geigy).

To 18.00 g of the resulting solution were added a solution in which 0.16 g of the reducing agent (I) and 1.22 g of the reducing agent (II) respectively used in Example 1 were dissolved in 1.80 g of methylene chloride.

Further, to the resulting solution were added 4.06 g of the silver halide emulsion, 0.6 ml of 0.04% methanol solution of the following dye and 0.08 g of the quaternary ammonium salt (1) used in Example 1, and the mixture was stirred at 15,000 r.p.m. for 5 min. to obtain a light-sensitive composition. ##STR11##

Preparation of light-sensitive material

A light-sensitive material (I) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the light-sensitive composition prepared above was used.

EXAMPLE 4

Each of the light-sensitive materials (J), (K), (L), (M), (N) and (O) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that each of the quaternary ammonium salt (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) used in Example 2 was respectively used in place of the quaternary ammonium salt (1). Each of the amount was the same mole as the amount (0.08 g) of the quaternary ammonium salt (1).

COMPARISON EXAMPLE 2

A light-sensitive material (P) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the quaternary ammonium salt was not added.

Evaluation of light-sensitive material

Each of the light-sensitive materials (I) to (P) prepared in Examples 3 & 4 and Comparison Example 2 was imagewise exposed to light using a tungsten lamp at 2,000 lux for 1 second through a green filter (transmitting 500 to 600 nm of light) in which the density continuously changed, and then heated on hot plate at 125° C. for 20 seconds. Each of the exposed and heated light-sensitive materials was then combined with the image-receiving material and passed through press rolls under pressure of 350 kg/cm² to obtain a magenta positive image on the image receiving material. The density of the magenta positive image was measured using Macbeth reflection densitometer.

The results are set forth in Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Light-   Quaternary                                                            Sensitive                                                                               Ammonium      Maximum   Minimum                                       Material Salt          Density   Density                                       ______________________________________                                         (I)      (1)           1.18      0.15                                          (J)      (2)           1.17      0.16                                          (K)      (3)           1.22      0.12                                          (L)      (4)           1.20      0.22                                          (N)      (5)           1.19      0.22                                          (N)      (6)           1.19      0.16                                          (O)      (7)           1.23      0.18                                          (P)      --            1.17      0.73                                          ______________________________________                                    

It is apparent from the results in Table 2 that in a system employing the spectrally sensitized silver halide emulsion (containing no organic silver salt), each of the light-sensitive materials of the invention gives a clear positive image which has a low minimum density. 

I claim:
 1. A light-sensitive material comprising a light-sensitive layer containing silver halide, a reducing agent and an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable compound provided on a support, wherein the light-sensitive layer contains a salt comprising a quaternary ammonium ion and an anion selected from the group consisting of a halogen ion, an acetate ion, a perchlorate ion, a sulfonate ion, an oxalate ion, a carbonate ion, a sulfite ion and a phosphoric hydrogen ion, said salt being contained in the light-sensitive layer in an amount of from 0.1 to 200 weight% based on the total silver content of the silver halide, and said quaternary ammonium ion having the following formula (I) or (II): ##STR12## in which each of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ independently is a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and an alkoxy group, each of which may have one or more substituent groups; R⁵ is a monovalent group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group and an alkoxy group, each of which may have one or more substituent groups; the pyridinium ring may be condensed with one or more benzene rings, and the pyridinium ring and the condensed pyridinium ring may have one or more substituent groups.
 2. A light-sensitive material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium ion has the formula (I), and each of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ independently is an alkyl group or an aralkyl group, each of which may have one or more substituent groups.
 3. A light-sensitive material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium ion has the formula (II), and R⁵ is an alkyl group, which may have one or more substituent groups.
 4. A light-sensitive material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anion is a halogen ion.
 5. A light-sensitive material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anion is a chloride ion or a bromide ion.
 6. A light-sensitive material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-sensitive layer further contains a color image forming substance.
 7. A light-sensitive material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the silver halide, the polymerizable compound and the salt are contained in microcapsules which are dispersed in the light-sensitive layer.
 8. A light-sensitive material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-sensitive layer further contains an organic silver salt. 